ප්රංශයේ ශ්රී ලංකා ප්රජාතාන්ත්රික සමාජවාදී ජනරජයේ තානාපති කාර්යාලය
பிரான்சிலுள்ள இலங்கை ஜனநாயக சோசலிச குடியரசின் தூதரகம்
Embassy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in France
Bilateral Trade/Economic, Tourism and Investment Relations
| Mission | Paris, France |
| Bilateral Trade/Economic, Tourism and Investment Relations | France
is one of Sri Lanka’s most significant economic partners within the European
Union, supported by long-standing diplomatic relations and preferential
market access under the GSP+ scheme. Bilateral trade has remained resilient
despite global and domestic economic challenges, with Sri Lanka maintaining a
strong export position, particularly in the apparel sector. Sri Lankan
apparel has secured a competitive edge in the French market due to compliance
with high environmental and labour standards. In recent years, trade has
gradually diversified towards value-added and sustainable products,
reflecting evolving European consumer preferences. The complementary nature
of France’s advanced industrial base and Sri Lanka’s export-oriented
manufacturing sector provides a solid foundation for further expansion,
particularly in green products, digital services, and sustainable supply
chains.In 2025,
bilateral trade reached approximately EUR 530 million, with Sri Lanka’s
exports recording an estimated growth of around 5% in 2025. Key exports from
Sri Lanka include apparel (56–57%), tea, spices, seafood, rubber products,
and gems, while imports from France consist mainly of machinery, pharmaceuticals,
electrical equipment, cosmetics, and agricultural products. Emerging export
potential lies in sustainable apparel, organic food, value-added tea,
coconut-based products, boat and shipbuilding, wellness products, and ICT
services. Key trade engagement platforms include SIAL Paris.France
is also a mature and high-value tourism source market for Sri Lanka. French
travellers are characterized by longer stays and higher spending, with strong
interest in cultural heritage, wellness, and nature-based experiences. In
2025, France ranked as Sri Lanka’s 7th largest source market,
contributing 109,041 arrivals, an increase of approximately 23% compared to
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| Existing Agreements and MoUs | Convention on the Avoidance of Double Taxation – 1972-Agreement on the Promotion and Protection of Investments (Bilateral Investment Treaty) – 1980- Development Cooperation Framework (Agence Française de Développement – AFD operations in Sri Lanka) – Currently in the re-negotiation stage between the two governments-EU- Sri Lanka Joint Commission - GSP + unilateral tariff benefits of the European Union |
| Accredited Country | Spain |
| Bilateral Trade/Economic, Tourism and Investment Relations | Spain has emerged as a dynamic and increasingly relevant partner for Sri Lanka within the European Union, particularly in the context of trade diversification and market expansion. While not traditionally among Sri Lanka’s largest trading partners, Spain’s importance has grown steadily due to strengthening business linkages and sector-specific complementarities. Sri Lankan exports, especially seafood and apparel, have gained recognition in the Spanish market for quality and sustainability. Spain’s strategic position as a logistics and distribution hub for Southern Europe further enhances its role as a gateway for Sri Lankan products into wider regional markets. As global demand increasingly shifts towards sustainably sourced and traceable products, Sri Lanka is well-positioned to expand its presence in Spain through value-added and niche exports.In 2024, total bilateral trade between the two countries is estimated at approximately USD 170 million. Sri Lanka’s key exports to Spain include seafood (notably tuna and shrimp), garments, tea, and rubber products, while imports from Spain consist mainly of machinery, ceramics, chemicals, and agri-food products. There is significant potential to further diversify exports, particularly in processed seafood, coconut-based products, spices including Ceylon Cinnamon, value-added tea, activated carbon, and apparel. Participation in major trade exhibitions such as Alimentaria and Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona continues to support trade promotion and market access.Spain also represents a growing secondary tourism market for Sri Lanka, with a steady increase in visitor numbers in recent years, reaching approximately 47,000 arrivals in 2025. Spanish travellers are typically drawn to destinations offering rich cultural heritage, biodiversity, and immersive experiences. Sri Lanka’s positioning as a compact destination with diverse attractions, including heritage sites, wildlife, and coastal tourism, aligns closely with these preferences. Additionally, Sri Lanka is increasingly recognized as a honeymoon destination among younger Spanish travellers. Continued engagement through international tourism fairs such as FITUR Madrid, along with targeted marketing and partnerships with tour operators, is expected to further enhance arrivals.Investment relations between Sri Lanka and Spain remain at an early stage but present promising opportunities for growth. Spain’s global expertise in tourism development, renewable energy, and infrastructure provides a strong basis for future collaboration. While current investment levels are modest, there is growing interest in sectors such as hospitality, clean energy, fisheries, and logistics. |
| Existing Agreements and MoUs | -EU- Sri Lanka Joint Commission- GSP + unilateral tariff benefits of the European Union |
| Accredited Country | Portugal |
| Bilateral Trade/Economic, Tourism and Investment Relations | Trade relations between Sri Lanka and Portugal remain modest in scale but demonstrate stability and gradual expansion, particularly in niche and value-added segments. As a smaller European Union economy, Portugal does not represent a high-volume market; however, it offers targeted opportunities for Sri Lankan exporters, especially in high-quality apparel, agricultural products, and specialty goods. The bilateral trade structure reflects a relatively balanced exchange, indicating a stable and complementary relationship. Portugal’s growing emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and premium consumption aligns well with Sri Lanka’s evolving export strategy focused on value addition and diversification.In 2024, total bilateral trade between Sri Lanka and Portugal is estimated at approximately USD 32 million. Sri Lanka’s key exports include apparel, fruits, seafood, and rubber-based products, while imports from Portugal consist mainly of cotton, machinery, and pharmaceuticals. There is notable potential to expand exports in areas such as coconut-based products, nutraceuticals, processed foods, ICT/BPO services, Ceylon Cinnamon, and value-added tea. Portugal represents a small but niche tourism market for Sri Lanka, with approximately 7,000 arrivals recorded in 2025 and a steady upward trend in recent years. Portuguese travellers are typically drawn to culturally rich and authentic destinations, with a preference for heritage, nature, and leisure experiences. Sri Lanka’s diverse tourism offering, including cultural and religious heritage sites, coastal attractions, and biodiversity, aligns well with these preferences. Additionally, the historical links between Sri Lanka and Portugal present a unique opportunity to strengthen destination branding and cultural tourism promotion in the Portuguese market. While overall awareness of Sri Lanka remains limited, targeted marketing efforts and regional partnerships can significantly enhance visibility. Participation in international travel fairs such as BTL Lisbon could further enhance market access and visibility. |
| Existing Agreements and MoUs | EU- Sri Lanka Joint Commission- GSP + unilateral tariff benefits of the European Union |